Issuu

THE

Midtown

Press

February/March 2024 VOLUME XXIX NUMBER 1 www.themidtownpress.com

PROUDLY SERVING GREATER PINE HILLS & SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES

The little paper with the big picture!

Pine Hills Community Council Oath of Office Ceremony Page 6

Parade coverage

Ocoee MLK Jr. Unity Parade & Pine Hills Establishment Day Pages 7 & 16

COVER STORY

Black History Month Focus Vernell Birden of Red's Barbecue Page 18

ASK THE EXPERT Heart Health: Tips for Women's Health Page 24

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Midtown

THE

Press

The little paper with the big picture!

FEBRUARY 2024

4 Editor’s Chair 6 Pine Hills Community Council Oath of Office 7 Ocoee MLK Parade Celebration 14 3rd Annual Pine Hills Establishment Day Parade 16 The Midtown Marketplace 18 Black History Month Focus | Red's BBQ 24 Ask the Expert - Women's Heart Health 29 Postscript

Dates to Know

In This Issue

2 National Wear Red Day 3 Ice Cream for Breakfast Day 8 National Kite Flying Day 14 Valentine's Day 14 Ash Wednesday 16 National Caregivers Day 29 Leap Year Day

MARCH 2024 1 National Employee Appreciation Day 9 National Play Outside Day 10 Daylight Savings Time Begins 17 St. Patrick's Day 19 First Day of Spring 31 Easter

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EDITOR’S CHAIR M

y close friends and family will tell you I am not easily impressed. It takes a lot to "wow" me. It's not I have seen or experienced it all; in my day-to-day life, things are mundane. Now and then, people enter my world whose presence and story are mind-blowing. As I have previously mentioned, I assign a theme to each issue, making planning stories that much easier. With this being the February/March '24 issue, I always try to include a Black History Month spotlight. So you can imagine my surprise when I had the opportunity to meet Vernell "Red" Birden and learn her story about the rise and fall of Red's Terrific Barbecue Restaurant, an Orlando mainstay during the 80's and 90's. While I never had the opportunity to eat at her restaurant, learning about her and her story was nothing short of inspirational. She is literally a living black history story. I was treated to some of her fabulous barbecue sauce, which ironically would be the very thing that saw the demise of her restaurant. You can read more about her beginning on Page 24.

The February/March issue is always a milestone for me as it marks another year since I have been at the helm as the publisher of The Midtown Press. I still count it an honor and a privilege to produce this publication. When I took over the paper, I received some very timely advice to keep the paper positive! I hope that readers have found that to be the case over these last two years. There is way too much of a negative lens that is placed on the Pine Hills community. This publication is to serve as an anti-establishment newspaper whose focus is to do the opposite - to show the positive people, places, and things happening in the community, and believe me; there are more stories than pages. I continue to be encouraged by organizations, including the Pine Hills Community Council, who recently hosted their annual Oath of Office Ceremony (see story on Page 6), and the Pine Hills Safe Neighborhood Partnership (see newsletter on Page 18) which are essentially boots on the ground working daily to improve our community.

This issue also includes coverage of parade season, which is quickly becoming one of my favorite times of the year. With the cooler weather and festive mood of the attendees, it is a treat to see the hundreds of people from our community come out to be a part of these live spectacles. In this issue, we have coverage of the Pine Hills Establishment Day Parade and the City of Ocoee Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade and Celebration.

As this is the beginning of our publishing calendar year, I always like to acknowledge the organizations that advertise in the Midtown Press. From our new partnerships with Advent Health to long-standing supporters including Bowerbank Income Tax & Accounting Services, Community Health Center, Hardee's, Willie Hamer Auto Salon, FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers, Dream Barbershop, RX Med's Pharmacy and Prime Care Family Health Centers (to name a few) they allow this paper to continue.

Because one of the other hats I wear focuses on health and wellness, I always aim to include a feature to help educate the readers. With February being American Heart Month, I have included a story by my good friend and colleague, Roniece Weaver, MS RD LD, about how women can take action to protect themselves against heart disease on Page 22.

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Lastly, a very special thank you to the readers for continuing to read, request, and advocate for the paper. It is your support that is the engine that keeps it going. Thank you!

Glen

Midtown

THE

Press

The little paper with the big picture!

“The little paper with the big picture”

Publisher

EJP North, LLC.

Editor

Glen R. Providence

Associate Editor Barbara Chandler

All materials contained herein (unless otherwise noted) are owned and copyrighted by EJP North, LLC and Glen R. Providence. No material may be reproduced in any manner or form without the written consent of the publishers or their designated representative.

The Midtown Press 2009 W. Central Blvd. Orlando, FL 32805 407.504.1695

Email Us

glen@themidtownpress.com Publishers assume no responsibility to return unsolicitededitorial material. All rights in letters and unsolicited editorial and graphic material will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes, subject to publishers’ unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially. Advertising rates available upon request.

www.themidtownpress.com

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Pine Hills Community Council Oath of Office Ceremony T

he Pine Hills Community Council hosted its 2024 Oath of Office Ceremony and Celebration/ General Board Meeting on January 23, 2024, at the Orange County Multi-Cultural Center. The annual swearing-in event welcomes the new slate of Board Members. This year, the Council will host "Table Talk" Mix & Mingle at each of its monthly General Meetings from 6:00-6:30 pm before the meeting starts at 6:30 pm. During the January General Meeting, community members, residents, guests, and public officials attending the celebration had the opportunity to complete a Community Matters survey during "Table Talk" Mix & Mingle, and the survey results are a telling story of the needs and change the community wants to see in the unincorporated Pine Hills area. The Council's 2024 goal will be to use the data collected to focus its time and efforts on addressing the Top 5 2024 Priorities, which are Safety, Revitalization & Beautification, Homelessness, Economic Growth, and establishing a Pine Hills Community Council 501 (c) 3. The Council serves as the advocacy group for the over 82K residents in the unincorporated Pine Hills area. The Council has a dynamic Board of Directors for 2024 and looks forward to working with all stakeholders to address the needs and growth of the community. Excerpt from 2024 President Over 28 years ago I moved to the Pine Hills area where I shopped at Gooding’s Grocery Store, Target, and purchased ice cream from Baskin & Robbins, which are no longer in our community. I often took the Lynx transit to work and did not have to worry about safety or sharing the bench with a homeless person who had rummaged through the trash can leaving trash in the seating area. Over the years, residents in the community have watched Christmas lights along Colonial Drive, Hiawassee Road, and Pine Hills Road all disappear over time. Now only to see Christmas lights in other areas such as downtown Orlando, Ocoee, and Winter Garden. We have watched growth of businesses and revitalization flourish outside and around the boundaries of unincorporated Pine Hills, only to ask the question-why? Homelessness is a growing concern as we see homeless people sleeping on the sidewalks, the bus benches, and in vacant unkept lots. Safety, Revitalization and Beautification, Homelessness, and Economic Growth are growing, and important concerns of our community as indicated by the survey and triangulation data. As the 2024 PHCC President of the Dr. Latanya Nichols Council alongside the 2024 Board of Directors, our plan is to work strategically and effectively together to be part of the change we want to see in our community through Vision-Passion-Advocacy-Action (VPAA) on this President journey by engaging all stakeholders at every level; as we work progressively to impact positive change in Pine Hills Community Council unincorporated Pine Hills now and for future years to come.

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KNOW THIS! Central Florida Job Fair

re you on the market for a new job or interested in exploring a new career path? Meet your next employer in person at the next Central Florida Employment Council Job Fair. The job fair, which is one of the largest in the area, will feature over 100 central Florida employers. The event features thousands of job openings in various industries, as well as employment resources to help assist you with your needs. Meet, network, and interview with employers ready to hire - all under one roof!

Job fairs are are an excellent way to meet, network, and interview with multiple recruiters all in one space. By attending a job fair, you have a chance to meet with recruiters face-to-face, have them get to know you, and make an impression. Additionally, by attending, you can enhance your career search, and improve your interviewing skills. The job fair will take place onWednesday, March 27th at the Orlando Fairgrounds Expo Building. The event is FREE (including parking and admission) and all job seekers welcome! There are a few things you should know before going. Registration is suggested. Please visit www.cfec.org/jobseeker-sign-up or scan the QR code below. Thousands of entry, intermediate and experienced career level positions will be available so job seekers are encouraged to dress professionally and bring paper copies of your résumé. Participants should prepare a "15-30 second commercial" about yourself stating your strong points, skills and education to feel more comfortable speaking with employers. Please note that due to the nature of this event, no children are allowed. This is a multi-industry job fair. Possible industries and major sectors of work may include but not limited to: Professional, mid and entry career level positions in: Administration, Customer Service, Computing, Education, Training, Construction, Information Technology, Healthcare, Medical, Management, Engineering, Financial Services, Insurance, Business Opportunities, Hospitality, Hotel and Resorts, Attractions, Food Service, Purchasing, Professional Services, Consulting, Sales, Marketing, Manufacturing, Skill Scan the QR code to register. Trades, Mechanical, Healthcare, Human Resources, Insurance, Management, Drivers, Marketing, Retail, Sales, Accounting, Financial, Advertising, Public Relations, Financial Services, Travel, Restaurant, Food Service, Government, Law Enforcement, Social Services, Non-Profit, Science, Food Service, Human Resources, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Professional, Creative Services, Media, Mechanical, and many more! For more information, or for one-on-one career coaching call 407-834-4022 x221. T H E M I DTO W N P RESS / 7

Tidbits

Pine Hills Seniors to Host Valentine’s Day Event

The Pine Hills Seniors will host a Valentine's Program on Thursday, February 15, 2024 from 10:00 am -1:00 pm at the new Orange County Multi Cultural Center located at 7149 W. Colonial Drive. The event is in recognition of National Caregiver’s Day and will honor members of the group who will be presented flower and an acknowledgment on the ways they have been combating loneliness. The event will be sponsored by Simply Healthcare. 

The 112 th Annual Central Florida Fair The annual Central Florida Fair returns this year for two full weekends beginning February 29th through March 10th at the Central Florida Fairgrounds located at 4603 W. Colonial Dr. Be sure to visit this annual central Florida tradition for delicious traditional Fair food and a variety of rides, performances, and attractions. Don’t miss the return of microwrestling on opening night, February 29th and Friday, March 1st. Military and First Responders enjoy free admission Monday, March 4th as well as a free public concert featuring Country Music and TikTok star Hannah Dasher and be sure to catch the free Battle of the Bands sponsored by WJRR in our Beer Garden March 1 – 3. For more information about the Central Florida Fair, visit centralfloridafair.com and join our mailing list to get notified about special promotions, discount offers, contests, giveaways, and so much more!

Calling all High Schoolers! — A Path to Financial Freedom In today’s rapidly changing world, it is crucial for students to understand personal finance. Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County invites high school students ages 14-19 to the inaugural Habitat U Youth Summit. This event will provide students with the practical knowledge essential for making informed financial decisions as they transition into adulthood. This free, two-part event scheuled for Saturday March 2nd will give students the chance to learn about financial literacy and community engagement. Through interactive sessions and realworld examples, participants will learn about the positive impact they can have on their communities. By participating in this event, registered attendees will receive community service credit to count toward their Bright Futures' graduation requirements. Registration is required. Attendees can scan the QR code to register.  8 / THE MIDTO W N PR E SS

Tidbits

Second Harvest Food Bank Host Graduation Ceremony for Culinary Program Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida recently hosted an in-person graduation ceremony for its Culinary Training Program. Thirteen students were recognized on Saturday, January 13th for completing the 16-week course. An integral part of Second Harvest’s mission to fight hunger in Central Florida, the Culinary Training Program was introduced in 2013. Since then, 470 students have graduated and went on to gainful employment in food service. The program is free to eligible students. In addition to learning hands-on food preparation and gaining kitchen training similar to the curriculum of professional culinary institutions, students spend part of their days in the classroom, learning career and life skills to help them pursue entry-level food industry jobs. Graduates also receive occupational assistance and career matching. For more information about how to apply or to make a financial contribution in support of the Culinary Training Program, visit www.FeedHopeNow.org.

Orange County Vision Zero The Orange-Kissimmee-Sanford metro area continues to rank as one of the deadliest metroplitan areas in the county. In 2022 there were 209 fatalities and 1,208 severe injuries on Orange County's roadways. Vision Zero seeks to eliminate traffic fatalities and severe injuries on the transportation system by providing a proactive and preventive approach. The Orange County Vision Zero Action Plan is part of a regional effort by Metro Plan to reduce traffic fatalities and severe injuries, creating safer roads for both the 2.2 million residents and 75 million tourists who visit Central Florida annually. Meetings will be held in Orange County district to build awareness, gather information, and support the plan's success. For District 6, the Community Meeting will be held on Thursday, February 22, 2024 at the Orange County Multi Cultural Center located at 7149 W. Colonial Drive beginning at 6:30 p.m. 

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Maynard Evans High School

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New construction homes

Now available in Holden Heights and coming soon to Parramore:

Features

• Covered porch • Open floorplan • Pick your colors • Appliances included • Affordable mortgage • 3- and 4- bedroom | 2 bath • Down payment assistance available

Homeownership applications now open.

Learn more and apply for homeownership at HabitatOrlando.org/Apply

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Meds Pharmacy Rx Your Community Discount Pharmacy We accept mostly all insurances and offer FREE home delivery within 24 hours! Fast & Friendly Service Bilingual Staff Free Aspirin & Vitamins* *For Participating Patients 2751 N. Hiawassee Rd. Orlando, FL 32818 Phone: 407-770-6077 Fax: 321-206-5127

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Get a Checking Account that Pays & Protects. ID Theft Prevention Credit Monitoring Cell Phone Insurance and so much more!

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Ask the Expert | By Roniece Weaver, MS, RD/LD

Heart Health: Tips for Women's Health

ebruary is American Heart Month. President Lyndon B. Johnson, among the millions of people in the country who'd had heart attacks, issued the first proclamation in 1964. Since then, U.S. presidents have annually declared February American Heart Month. It is a perfect time to pay special attention to heart health, particularly for women. Cardiovascular disease is a major health concern for women. Heart disease is often perceived as a health concern predominantly affecting men, but the reality is quite different. Women are equally susceptible to heart disease, and it remains a leading cause of mortality among women worldwide. However, the symptoms and risk factors for heart disease in women can be distinct, making early detection challenging. This article aims to shed light on the nuances of heart disease in women, emphasizing the importance of awareness, prevention, and timely intervention. According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease, are responsible for 35% of all female deaths globally. In many cases, women may not recognize the symptoms or attribute them to other health issues, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of heart disease in women can be subtler than those experienced by men, making it crucial to recognize warning signs early. Women may not always experience the classic chest pain associated with a heart attack. Instead, symptoms may include shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, and discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back. As a result, these symptoms might be dismissed or overlooked, delaying proper diagnosis and treatment. Drinking, smoking, and recreational drug use is linked to premature heart disease in young people, particularly younger women. Heavy drinking can lead to high blood pressure, heart failure or stroke. Excessive drinking can also lead to cardiomyopathy, a weakening of the heart muscles and an irregular heartbeat. Smoking is a greater risk factor for women than it is for men. Any amount of smoking, even occasional smoking, can cause damage to the heart and blood vessels and and cause plaque to build up in the arteries. Some additional simple steps everyone can take to improve heart health include healthy eating. Begin by chosing whole grains, including a variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet, selecting minimally processed foods and reducing your sodium intake. Improve your physical activity. Strive to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity. Move often throughout the day and stand whenever possible. Engage in moderate to high intensity muscle strengthening activity at least twice a week. Lastly pay atttention to your stress level. Plan ahead so much as you can so you don’t have to rush. Try to get seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Practice mindfulness as a way to reduce stress. By fostering awareness, promoting preventive measures, we can empower women to take charge of their heart health. Roniece Weaver is a Founding Partner and Director of Agency Operations for Hebni Nutrition Consultants, a creator of the original Soul Food Pyramid and the Soul Food Plate, culturally sensitive food educational tools. Mrs. Weaver provides educational seminars to many health care organizations across the country. She earned a B.S. in Food Science/Human Nutrition from the University of Florida, and received a Master of Science in Health Care Administration from the University of Saint Francis. 2 4 / THE MIDTO W N P R E SS

Hannibal Square in the mid-1990s: New Additions to the Permanent Collection On View | January 15–June 1, 2024 The Hannibal Square Heritage Center is the permanent home for the Heritage Collection: Photographs and Oral Histories of West Winter Park. On display are pieces not normally on view, including newly unveiled images and oral histories from Peter Schreyer’s 1994-95 Winter Park Library historic research grant project, depicting life in Hannibal Square in the mid-1990s.

Seniors Greeting Dr. Martin Luther King Day Parade, 1995, Photograph by Peter Schreyer

HannibalSquareHeritageCenter.org

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{ PostScript } A

few months ago, my 20-year-old son, who attends college in a whole different state, suffered a car breakdown. While he was not born in Florida, he is a Florida kid who has lived here since he was four. The significance of that is that he attends college just outside of Chicago, where on the day he called to notify me of his dilemma, it was about 20 degrees. He was driving his very first car, and although he was prepared with all of the emergency tools, including a portable battery jump tool, it didn't help. So there he was, pulled over on the side of a road in freezing temperatures in a car with no heat. I felt completely helpless. As he waited for roadside assistance to arrive, I kept checking in on him periodically so that he could conserve his cell phone battery power. He was cold and hungry. After 2 1/2 hours, a tow truck finally showed up and attempted to start his car, which was unsuccessful. The driver then did something completely unexpected. After he hitched my son's car to his truck, he told him to hop into his truck, where he offered him a snack. When they arrived at the car repair shop, he helped explain what he believed the problem the car had (a bad fuel pump), and then, to top it off, he drove my son back to campus.

My son neglected to get the driver's name, but I was so hoping that he did so I could properly thank this gentleman. In my eyes, he is a hero! He went above and beyond to help my son, a total stranger to him. But how many stories of unsung heroes like this exist? Unsung heroes can be found in various walks of life – from community activists working to improve local neighborhoods to individuals offering support to those in need, and from educators shaping the minds of future generations to caregivers providing selfless assistance to those facing challenges. The term highlights the humility and selflessness of those whose actions may not be widely celebrated but are impactful nonetheless. These individuals may not seek recognition for their deeds and might operate behind the scenes, quietly dedicating their time, energy, and resources to make a difference. Their motivation often stems from a genuine desire to help others or contribute to the greater good rather than seeking personal acclaim or validation. When you stop and think about it, there are unsung heroes all around us. Think back just a few short years ago when we were in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, and doctors and nurses worked 20-hour days to help care for so many in our community. In a world dominated by social media, red carpets, and a constant influx of celebrity news, a growing movement challenges the notion that fame and fortune should be the ultimate measures of success and admiration. The anti-celebrity culture is gaining traction, encouraging individuals to look beyond the glitz and glamor and instead focus on authenticity, substance, and genuine human connection. Rather than placing celebrities on unattainable pedestals, the anti-celebrity movement strives to humanize public figures. By acknowledging their flaws, struggles, and challenges, advocates of this culture seek to break down the illusion of perfection that often surrounds famous individuals. So let's reframe the thinking and focus on the teachers, police, school crossing guards, truck drivers, and, of course, the doctors and nurses who work selflessly every day to help. They are the real unsung heroes! -The Editors T H E M I DTO W N P R ESS / 2 9

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